How to Analyze Narrative Elements in Literature
Which narrative element is used in this excerpt from Theodore Dreiser’s short story “Peter”?
A) This excerpt shows the writer’s use of figurative language to hold the reader’s attention.
B) This excerpt shows how the writer develops Peter's character.
C) This excerpt shows how the writer is trying to pace the story through flashbacks.
D) This excerpt shows how the writer is trying to develop a specific conflict.
Answer:
D. This excerpt shows how the writer is trying to develop a specific conflict.
When analyzing narrative elements in literature, it is important to pay attention to how the writer develops conflict in the story. In this excerpt from Theodore Dreiser’s short story “Peter”, the writer is intentionally creating a specific conflict to drive the plot forward and engage the readers.
Conflicts in literature can take many forms, such as man vs. man, man vs. nature, man vs. society, or even man vs. self. By identifying the conflict in a story, readers can better understand the motivations of the characters and the overall theme of the narrative.
In this particular excerpt, the conflict being developed by the writer adds depth to the story and creates tension that keeps the readers invested. Analyzing how conflict is crafted in literature can enhance one's appreciation for the storytelling techniques used by authors.